Fiesta Week

When Fiesta is here it’s time for fun, celebration and, with this list, money saving events. Here are fun, free things to do in San Antonio during fiesta.

Every year, more than 3.5 million people come from all around to attend Fiesta in San Antonio.

This 11-day festival is one of the biggest celebrations in the U.S. and is full of activities for people of all ages.

Fiesta is one of the highlights of the year for folks living in and visiting San Antonio, but it can also eat a hole in your wallet if you’re not careful.

Luckily, you can still enjoy yourself without spending a fortune.

Read on to learn about some fun and free things to do in San Antonio during Fiesta.

What is Fiesta?

Fiesta first began in 1891 with a parade that took place in front of the Alamo. During the parade, women threw flower blossoms to celebrate the heroes from the battles of San Jacinto and the Alamo.

More than 100 years later, folks in the area are still celebrating those heroes and have turned a small parade into a massive, must-attend festival.

Whether you’re obsessed with history, love good food, or just want to spend a day hanging out in the sun with your friends, anyone can experience San Antonio Fiesta and get something out of it.

Fun and Free Things to Do in San Antonio During Fiesta

If you want to experience Fiesta but don’t want to spend a lot of money, you’re in luck. There are lots of ways that you can enjoy the festivities without spending a dime.

Listed below are some of the best free activities to participate in during Fiesta:

UTSA Football Fiesta Spring Game

Every year during Fiesta, the University of Texas at San Antonio’s football team hosts a free game. If you love watching sports, you definitely ought to come to watch the team compete during spring training.

Fiesta Mariachi Mass

This event takes place at the stunning San Fernando Cathedral. It blesses everyone who’s involved in Fiesta, from the royalty and commissioners to everyone who attends the event.

Fiesta at the Alamo

Located in Alamo Plaza, this event is the official kickoff of Fiesta.

Here, you can enjoy tons of live entertainment and visits from a variety of special guests. It’s a great party and the perfect event to attend if you want to see what Fiesta is all about.

Fiesta Carnival

Admission to Fiesta Carnival is totally free, but you will have to pay to participate in the rides and games or enjoy the delicious food for sale. You might be willing to splurge a bit, though, since you don’t have to deal with sky-high admissions prices.

Fiesta UTSA

If, after the UTSA Football Fiesta game, you can’t get enough of UTSA, why not hang out on the campus and partake in the fun activities available there? There’s tons of food, games, and free entertainment for you to enjoy all in one place.

Fiesta de Los Reyes at Market Square

Of all the free events that take place during Fiesta, this is one of the largest.

Fiesta de Los Reyes at Market Square features tons of live music being played at several different stages. Who wouldn’t want to attend a massive free concert like this? There are also more than 30 food booths, many of which have low-cost options available for when you get hungry.

Senior Fiesta

Fiesta is for people of all ages! However, for older folks who want to enjoy a more low-key event, there is a Senior Fiesta.

Senior Fiesta is free for seniors as well as their families. It includes live entertainment, guest appearances, dancing, and door prizes. There are also lots of free promotional items handed out to celebrate San Antonio’s senior residents and guests.

Texas Corvette Association Car Show

If you have a love for unique cars, the Texas Corvette Association Car Show is a must-visit. It’s free for spectators and is the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy some truly stunning cars.

El Rey Fido Coronation

What could make Fiesta even better? What about a free dog show where you get to see the crowning of the festival’s four-legged king?

El Rey Fido Coronation is a dog show where dogs and their owners compete to raise money for the San Antonio Humane Society. The dog and owner who raise the most money will be ambassadors for the Humane Society for the following year.

It doesn’t get much better than a free dog show plus an opportunity to support a charity, does it?

Fiesta Pops Simulcast with the San Antonio Symphony

If you’re looking for something to do in the evening, Fiesta Pops Simulcast is a great event to consider.

Here, you can enjoy a free outdoor concert performed by the San Antonio Symphony. Before the concert begins, there are lots of pre-event activities, including the Fiesta Medal Extravaganza where you can walk around and trade, sell, or purchase Fiesta medals.

Bonus Free Things to Do in San Antonio

If you’re looking to get more out of your trip to San Antonio, consider some of these other free attractions.

They’re a great way to break up the Fiesta festivities while still going easy on your wallet:

Brackenridge Park

San Pedro Creek Culture Park

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Public Art San Antonio Studio

Visiting these attractions also allows you to see even more of what San Antonio has to offer. There’s also a good chance you’ll still get to take in some free Fiesta decor and activities when you visit them during the festival.

Looking for Fiesta Medals for Fiesta?

You definitely don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great time during Fiesta.

Keep this list of fun and free things to do in San Antonio in mind and you’ll have no trouble celebrating without breaking the bank.

If you do decide that you want to splurge on something fun during Fiesta, why not make it a custom-made Fiesta medal?

A great fiesta medal will help you stand out during the festivities, and you’ll always have something to remember the event by.

Contact us today to learn more about our custom-made medals or to get a free quote for yours!

Learn About the Origins of the Battle of Flowers Parade

The Battle of Flowers parade is one of the biggest highlights of Fiesta, but it comes from humble beginnings. Learn more about its origins here.

If you live in Texas, you know all about the oldest Fiesta celebrated every April in San Antonio. Maybe you’ve joined the millions of other people who enjoy the parades and shatter colorful cascarones. You might call them confetti-filled eggshells.

This historical procession is the heart and soul of San Antonio. But, do you know how the Battle of Flowers Parade at Fiesta de San Antonio began?

How the Battle of Flowers Parade Began

The first Battle of the Flowers Parade took place on April 21, 1891, when a group of upper class, Anglo women decorated their carriages and horses. They rode them in front of the Alamo and threw cherry blossoms at one another.

The first fun-filled flower fight evolved into the Battle of Flowers Parade. The ladies organized the parade to honor those who fought and died at the Alamo. It’s also an honorary celebration of the Battle of San Jacinto.

Ellen Maury Slayden, the wife of Congressman James L. Slayden came up with the idea for the parade. When she made a visit to Spain, she saw a similar parade.

She talked it over with several women from San Antonio, and they formed the Battle of Flowers Parade Committee. They shared their plans with the local leaders who supported the parade idea.

About the Battles at the Alamo and San Jacinto

The battle at the Alamo happened before dawn on March 6, 1836. General Antonio de Santa Anna led columns of Mexican soldiers to the Alamo. They stormed the walls and overtook the fort. Over 180 Texas defenders were killed by sunrise.

In seven weeks, the Texans formed an army to avenge their lost Alamo brothers. They met Santa Anna and his army at San Jacinto. They defeated the Mexican army, winning Texas independence.

This is why the Daughters of the Republic of Texas began their preservation efforts with the Battle of Flowers Parade. They felt it was their duty to honor the heroes who fought for Texas.

First Battle of Flowers Parade

The ladies got down to business, decorating carriages and floats with fresh flowers. What made this parade so unique was when the ladies divided the carriages into two groups. Each of the groups started toward the Alamo from different directions.

As the carriages passed each other, each group threw flowers at the other. By the fourth annual parade, it turned into a week-long festival.

battle-of-flowers-parade

2017 Fiesta Festival Free Fiesta Medal Giveaway 3

Fiesta San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas, USA skyline.

Battle of the flowers San Antonio

Show me your shoes

King and Queen of the Festival

What’s a festival without a king and queen? So, the tradition of choosing the Queen of the Order of the Alamo started in 1896. The following year, a king was chosen.

The people loved the tradition and soon after a full royal court formed. The court included a princess and duchesses. This tradition still takes place today featuring the queen and king, along with 12 local duchesses and 12 chosen from out of town.

In 1926 and 1926 naming a king stopped, but the queen and her court never faltered.

Order of Alamo Formed

John Carrington, Secretary of the Business Men’s Club replaced the Battle of Flowers Association in 1909. He formed a new committee called Order of the Alamo. This new organization made up of prominent men of San Antonio took over the selection of the Royal Court of the parade.

They chose the queen and her royal court from all over Texas. Carrington also decided to name a king again in 1927.

He formed the San Antonio Cavaliers. Carrington succeeded in returning the king to the court. The selected kings were businessmen, such as bankers, lawyers and shop owners.

By 1915, the Battle of Flowers Parade in San Antonio grew so much, they started decorating the floats and carriages with artificial flowers.

What Do the Fiesta Medals Mean?

Colorful, shimmering fiesta medals date back to 1946. The Texas Cavaliers had small coins made as gifts to bring to children in the hospital. They called them ‘king’s coins.’

Joske’s department store created cardboard holders for the coins in 1961. The holders also had a hole in the top where the Cavaliers could insert a ribbon. This was so they could hang the coins around their necks.

In 1971, many Fiesta organizations started making fiesta medals. The medals didn’t become popular until Lieutenant Colonel Childers came up with the idea of making Fiesta-themed medals.

Now, people collect hundreds of these colorful medals, wearing them to the Fiesta. Some people wear so many, they’re weighed down by the jingling Fiesta medals. Every year, medal collectors buy, sell and trade their medals, always on the lookout for a rare find.

Other Events Added to the Fiesta

The Fiesta continued to grow through the years as other events were added to the schedule. In 1925, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas began a new tradition that’s still observed today.

They make the Pilgrimage to the Alamo. Participants include schools, patriotic organizations, and the military. They all march to the Alamo. When they go inside, they read the names of all the heroes who fought at the Battle of the Alamo.

Other events added to the Fiesta were carnivals, balls, and coronation ceremonies.

Night of Old San Antonio

As the crowds continued partying, the San Antonio Conservation Society started hosting, ‘Night in Old San Antonio.’ It’s still celebrated today for four consecutive nights. It began as a recreation of early San Antonio life.

People wear authentic costumes, sombreros, and paper flower coronas. Today, it’s a magical night of food, song, and dance on the south bank of the San Antonio River.

Officially Named the Fiesta San Antonio

Every year more revelers came to the week-long celebration, so the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce made it official in 1959. They named the Battle of Flowers celebration, the Fiesta San Antonio.

It became such a popular event, they formed the Fiesta San Antonio Commission to organize the week’s events.

Battle of Flowers Parade Today

Today, the ladies of the Battle of Flowers Association wear yellow hats and dresses to the parade they founded. They still promote the history and patriotism of San Antonio, Texas.

The parade is the spirit of the Fiesta San Antonio. It now has over 40 flower-decorated floats and horse-drawn carriages. The military, college and high school bands also take part.

It’s now an 11-day celebration with over 75,000 volunteers and over 100 events. The Battle of Flowers Parade and Fiesta celebrates not only the heroes of the Alamo and San Jacinta but all the veterans who have made sacrifices ever since.

This year’s parade takes place on April 26, 2019. The Battle of Flowers Parade route starts at the corner of E. Grayson and Broadway. The parade finishes at the corner of W. Martin and Broadway.

Get your sombrero and your fiesta medals for the 128th Battle of Flowers Parade. Contact us for our early bird specials so you can add to your fiesta-medal collection. Get ready to party.

Why You Need to Experience the San Antonio Fiesta

Every year in April, millions of people
visit San Antonio for the 11-day all-out celebration known as Fiesta.
It celebrates hometown pride and is loved by locals and tourists alike.

But what is San Antonio Fiesta? Why should you care? And how can you best enjoy it?

Read more to find out why you need to experience Fiesta de San Antonio!

The History of San Antonio Fiesta

San Antonio Fiesta started over 100 years ago in 1891. It was
originally akin to Memorial Day: it started as a way to honor fallen
soldiers from the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. It was
originally just the Battle of Flowers parade. Back then, the parade was a
series of bicycles and carriages that passed in front of the Alamo,
where participants would throw flower blossoms at one another.

Now, that parade is such a big deal to the city that it’s considered a municipal holiday. Work and school across the city are closed so everyone can enjoy the parade. Last year, over 350,000 people attended.

Want to learn more about the Battle of the Flowers parade? Check out our article here.

Of course, Fiesta is way, way bigger than just the Battle of the
Flowers today – there are over 100 events across those 11 days. And it’s
one of the nation’s largest festivals.

Why Attend Fiesta?

San Antonio Fiesta attracts people from all over the city, all over
Texas, and all over the world. And that’s because it has something for
everyone.

Are you a huge history buff? Try attending the Pilgrimage to the
Alamo – a solemn procession that places wreaths at the Alamo to tribute
heroes of the battle.

Do you love food? Try the Taste of New Orleans for a delicious Cajun feast.

Or how about exploring another culture? Then try attending “A Day in
Old Mexico and Charreada”, where participants wear traditional clothes
and celebrate Charreada, a competition involving horse reining and bull
riding.

Or you could attend Fiesta Gartenfest, a German-style fiesta event. You can experience German entertainment, food, and beer.

And, of course, if you like parades, you have more than enough
options: the famous Battle of the Flowers Parade, the Texas Cavaliers
River Parade located on the beautiful San Antonio Riverwalk, and the
evening Fiesta Flambeau Parade are some of the festival’s main events.

If you’re a local and want to celebrate where you reside or where
you’re from, try one of the neighborhood-specific events. These include
Alamo Heights Night, King William Fair, and Taste of the Northside.’

So, in a nutshell, Fiesta has a little bit of everything for
everyone – and for every budget. Many events are completely free to
attend!

The Best Events to Enjoy Fiesta

With over 100 events, it can be hard to know what’s worth going to.
Here, we’ve listed a few of our favorite events to offer up some
suggestions.

The Fiesta Oyster Bake

Start out your fiesta right by attending the Fiesta Oyster Bake. Typically the opening weekend of Fiesta, this event has it all: music, food, and a carnival to boot!

And it’s all for a good cause – taking place on the campus of St.
Mary’s University, proceeds from the festival raise money for student
scholarships at the university and support the University and Alumni
Association.

The event has five different stages, so there’s something for
everyone: rock, country, Tejano, R&B, and pop music. There are over
70 different food and drink booths, and every year 100,000 oysters are
sold (baked, raw, and fried – there’s all kinds available).

Night Out in Old San Antonio

This event, simply referred to as NIOSA
by locals (said knee-oh-sah) is a four-night event held in downtown San
Antonio at the historic La Villita area. Similar to the Oyster Bake
but much bigger, it has over 200 food and drink booths, 14 music areas,
and 15 themed areas.

Most of these themed areas help celebrate the city’s cultural
diversity. It includes the French Quarter, Irish Flats, Mexican Market,
Saurkraut Bend, South of the Border, Villa Espana, China Town, and the
catch-all International Walkway. No matter what your ethnicity or
cultural background, NIOSA welcomes everyone for a huge cultural
celebration.

And all proceeds go to the San Antonio Conservation Society, so it
helps preserve parks and historic properties throughout the city.

Battle of the Flowers Parade

Of course, no Fiesta list would be complete without mentioning the famous parade that started the whole thing: the Battle of the Flowers Parade.
We’ve already covered most of the information about this event above,
but did you know it’s the only parade in the US produced entirely by
women?

Here’s an insider tip: purchase tickets on their website so you can
have a reserved seat and not have to worry about being able to see all
of the floats on the parade route.

Dress for the Occasion!

Obviously, as with any outdoor festival, you’re going to want to wear
comfortable shoes and plenty of sunscreen. But you should also remember
to dress up!

Many Fiesta-goers dress to impress, wearing colorful clothes, Mexican
dresses, and flower crowns. And if you don’t have these things, you’ll
be sure to find some local vendors along the way that will sell them to
you.

One thing you’ll definitely notice is all of the medals. What’s that all about?

Fiesta medals are sort of like the beads of Mardi Gras – they’re a
symbol of the celebration. Each event will have a unique medal each
year, so by collecting these medals, you can show off just how many
Fiesta events you’ve been to!

Of course, it’s not only for events. Many businesses get in on the
fun and sell them, too. Or some will sell medals to their employees as a
sort of company pride. And, of course, there are some that are so rare
they aren’t sold, but rather won (the Pearl is notorious for these types
of medals).

Orthodox Church

2018 Fiesta Medal Designed and Created for the Orthodox Church

Industrial Group Southwest 2018 Fiesta Medal

2018 Fiesta Medal Designed and Created for Industrial Group Southwest.

Viva Fiesta!

This year, San Antonio Fiesta takes places from April 18th to April 28th, and we hope you’re now just as excited as we are!

Be sure to attend this special event that’s Puro San Antonio! Do you
want to create your own medal to make this Fiesta one to remember? We
can offer you a free quote and help you make a special medal, whether it’s your first or your hundredth.

Fiesta Week in San Antonio: A First-Timers Survival Guide

Every year in the spring, San Antonio hosts a massive, ten-day festival known as Fiesta Week. Are you considering attending this year?

If you’re interested in attending Fiesta Week, it’s important to start planning early.

There’s a lot that you can do during the celebration, and it’s easy
to feel overwhelmed if you arrive on the first day totally unprepared.

Not sure where to begin when it comes to preparing for Fiest Week?

Read on to learn everything you need to know to have a great time during Fiesta Week in San Antonio.

What is Fiesta Week?

Fiesta Medal Week

Fiesta Week, also known as Fiesta San Antonio and previously known as
Fiesta San Jacinto, is a 10-day festival that started in 1891.

It began as a flower parade dedicated to the heroes who participated and lost their lives in the battles of San Jacinto and the Alamo.

The celebration soon evolved in the massive event people know and love today.

Fiesta Week takes place throughout the city of San Antonio and
includes over 100 different events, including parades, art exhibits,
parties, and the delicious Tastes of Texas experience.

Get the Most Out of Fiesta Week in San Antonio

Fiesta Week sounds pretty incredible, right? In order to have the
best experience possible, though, you need to start planning your trip
now.

Here are some tips that will help you survive — and have the time of your life — during Fiesta Week.

Use Park & Ride

If you want to save money and avoid the headache of trying to find a
parking spot during the festival, you ought to use Park & Ride.

Basically, you’ll drive to a parking lot, park your car, then get on a bus and travel to your destination.

It’s highly affordable — $2.50 each way; $1.25 for kids and seniors.
It also saves you a lot of hassle and leaves you free to relax on your
way to and from the event.

Get Cash Beforehand

There will be ATMs spread out throughout the festival. But, those
ATMs will almost all slap an annoying surcharge on to any withdrawals
you attempt to make. Save yourself some money and take out cash before
you get to the event.

Keep Your ID on Hand

If you plan to enjoy any adult beverages while walking around Fiesta
Week, you better make sure you have your ID on hand at all times.

You will get carded, and it’s best to be prepared.

That way, you don’t have to waste time fumbling around in your
backpack trying to find your driver’s license every time you want
something refreshing to drink.

Charge Your Phone

Nobody likes having a dead phone with them when they’re at a big
event like this. This is especially true if you’re using the Fiesta Week
app to help you navigate the festivities.

Make sure your phone is fully charged before you leave for the
festival. Consider bringing a portable phone charger with you, too, just
to be safe.

Bring a Tote Bag for Souvenirs

If you plan on purchasing souvenirs for yourself or your kids while
you’re attending Fiesta Week, plan on bringing an empty (or nearly
empty) tote bag with you, too. That way, you won’t have to worry about
juggling all your belongings while you participate in different events.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

There’s no getting around it — you’re going to have to do a lot of
walking during Fiesta Week. This is not the right time to wear your
favorite high-heeled shoes. Save those for another night and put on a
comfortable pair of sneakers instead.

Like it or not, it sometimes rains during Fiesta Week. Check the
weather ahead of time to make sure you have the right clothes and gear
on hand.

Check the Weather

Even if the weather seems like it will be clear, you might want to
bring a small umbrella with you anyways. If nothing else, it will
provide you with some shade when the sun comes out.

Make a Sash for Your Kids’ Medals

Your kids are likely going to receive a lot of medals during Fiesta
Week, and they’re going to want to display them throughout the event.

Make a simple sash out of a wide piece of ribbon before you head to
the festival. Then, they can simply attach the medals to the ribbon and
wear them with pride.

Not sure what the big deal is with medals? Check out this article to learn more about Fiesta medal culture.

Put Together a Survival Kit

Be sure to bring a survival kit with you, too. What goes into a survival kit?

At the very least, you should be sure to include the following items:

Snacks

A package of wipes

Hand sanitizer

Tissues

A hat

Sunscreen

A water bottle (or two)

A disposable poncho or umbrella

You may also want to include a small flashlight if you plan on
attending a lot of nighttime events. Sure, you could use the flashlight
on your phone, but that’s also going to drain your battery life pretty
quickly.

Start Planning for Fiesta Week Now

It may seem like you have all the time in the world. Fiesta Week in San Antonio will be here before you know it, though.

Start planning your trip now so that you can cruise into town on the first day of Fiesta Week ready to have a great time.

Are you getting excited about the big event? Do you want to purchase a custom medal for the occasion?

Orthodox Church

2018 Fiesta Medal Designed and Created for the Orthodox Church

Industrial Group Southwest 2018 Fiesta Medal

2018 Fiesta Medal Designed and Created for Industrial Group Southwest.

Habitat for Humanity

2018 Fiesta Medal Designed and Created for Habitat for Humanity

Frankies Friends

2018 Fiesta Medal Designed and Created for Frankies Friends.

Cheko

2018 Fiesta medal Designed and Created for Cheko.

Anthony’s Seafood Cafe

2018 Fiesta Medal Designed and Created for Anthony’s Seafood Cafe.

RBFCU

2018 Fiesta Medal Designed and Created for RBFCU.

Hulu

2018 Fiesta Medal Designed and Created for Hulu.

If so, contact us at Fiesta Medal today to get a quote. Our medals are of the highest quality and are created just for you by our talented designers.

If you asked them to name famous events, most people would
name things like the Kentucky Derby. They probably wouldn’t mention
Fiesta San Antonio, although this celebration is over 125 years old.

You might be asking, “What is Fiesta?” It’s San Antonio’s oldest and
largest parade, started in 1891 by a group of local women. Since then,
the parade has expanded into a week-long carnival known as Fiesta.

This guide will introduce you to Fiesta week, its history, and how it impacts the city of San Antonio.

The Battle of Flowers

Fiesta San Antonio history starts with a one-day event in 1891. The inaugural parade
was held to honor the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto. Local women
decorated bicycles and baby buggies, then threw flowers at each other.

This is why it has the name “Battle of Flowers.” From the very start, women alone organized the parade. That’s still true today.

The festival expanded, adding more events held over the course of a
week. In 1895, the Battle of Flowers Parade Association began crowning a
carnival queen. In 1909, the Fiesta “royalty” expanded to include a
princess and 24 duchesses.

Fiesta Week Today

Fiesta is San Antonio’s largest and oldest celebration. It celebrated
its 125th anniversary in 2016. It’s still going strong, attracting
millions of visitors annually.

Fiesta San Antonio events are held in San Antonio and neighboring
areas. Participating cities include Alamo Heights, Balcones Heights,
Windcrest, and Boerne.

A block party takes place over four evenings. There’s also a Charreria event, which showcases equestrian talent.

Fiesta week San Antonio occurs during the last two weeks of April every year.

Impacts on the City

San Antonio Fiesta week is the city’s largest festival, so it’s easy to see why people make a big deal about it.

UTSA’s Center for Community and Business Research reports Fiesta makes more than $340 million. The local government collects over $3 million in sales tax during the festival alone.

There are approximately 100 member organizations that take part in
the festival. Volunteers are integral to the festival, but Fiesta has
also created almost 3,500 jobs.

Fiesta week has a significant tourist impact. It brings around 3
million people out to celebrate in the streets of San Antonio each year.

Plan Your Fiesta Trip

If you’ve ever been in San Antonio during Fiesta week, you know all about the magic of this amazing celebration.

If you haven’t gone yet, there’s no better time to start planning a
trip. Visit during the last two weeks of April, and you can take part in
balls, parades, and so much more. You may even have the chance to get a
Fiesta medal from the local festival royalty.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your Fiesta trip by checking out our guides to events, food, and fun! And don’t forget to get your fiesta medals!